Jefferson Performing Arts Society

Jefferson Performing Arts Society

Community Conversations

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Virtual Panel Discussions About Jefferson Performing Art Society’s 45th Season Shows

Media Sponsor: GAMBIT

“Community Conversations” is a JPAS series held one month prior to each show’s opening.  The conversations explore topics and themes in each play and musical, offering audience, community, and cast members a shared opportunity to learn more about the play’s various meanings and relevance.  Each conversation includes the show’s director, select cast members, and local experts, professors, and leaders in related fields.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS are held at Jefferson Performing Arts Center one month prior to the related JPAS show opening. They are open to JPAS patrons and to the general public and are recorded for posting publicly. All conversations are from 3:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.

Community Conversations Shows and Topics:

  • SWEET POTATO QUEENS: What Makes a Queen, a Queen? And: Is Sisterhood Colorblind?
  • IN THE HEIGHTS: Who are the Latinos in NOLA? Exploring the Local Diaspora of our Hispanic Community with Local Latino Leaders and Artists
  • HOLIDAY INN: What Makes a Classic, a Classic?
  • SISTAS THE MUSICAL: What is Unique about Black Women and Family, Grief, and Gratitude?
  • MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS: Xenophobia in Agatha Christie: How Do you Present or Revise Stories that have Offensive Characters?
  • MISERY: Stephen King and Mental Illness
  • CAROUSEL:  Riding the Carousel of Domestic Abuse: Why is it such a familiar story??

$5,000 Level:  SERIES PRESENTING SPONSOR: Sponsor all 6 Community Conversations  

Benefits:

  • Name recognition in all advertising and promotions for all conversations: “Presented by…”
  • Company logo in print ads, programs, social media, and website listings for CC
  • Company name on permanent posting of recorded Community Conversations as Presenting Sponsor
  • Invitation to attend each conversation and briefly speak about your business before each presentation

$1,000 Level:  EVENT SPONSOR:  Sponsor one Community Conversation of your choice

Benefits:

  • Name recognition in all advertising and promotions for one conversation: “Presented by…”
  • Company logo in print ads, programs, social media, and website listings for one CC
  • Company name on permanent posting of recorded Community Conversations as Presenting Sponsor for one of the conversations
  • Invitation to briefly speak about your business before one presentation
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Previous Conversations

How Deathtrap plays with Duality

Recorded:  Wednesday, April 27, 2022

This discussion was held virtually via Zoom.

Show Dates:  May 6 - 22, 2022

Shrek and Self Acceptance: Life Lessons on Image, Friendship, and Self Esteem

An honest and lively conversation about what it means to accept oneself, and to accept love and friendship from others.

Recorded:  Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 3:00 P.M.

This discussion was held virtually via Zoom.

Show Dates:  March 11-20, 2022

FLY: A PLAY ABOUT THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: “Real History:  American Myths and Omissions”


Why are main components of American history not included in American history classes, such as the story of Tuskegee Airmen? What are some other historical facts excluded from a typical American education? How can we teach our children the stories of true American history and be inclusive to all?

Moderated by Dr. Eva Baham, Ph.D., Dillard University Assistant Professor of History

Featuring FLY playwright Trey Ellis and FLY director Tommye Myrick, with Jimmie Thorns Jr., "Souls of Valor" photographer and Vietnam War veteran and  Dr. John Fitzmorris III, Adjunct Professor of History, University of New Orleans

Recorded January 16, 2022

This discussion was held virtually via Zoom.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY—A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY: “What is Self-Acceptance”?

How does art, especially the performing arts, play a role in helping everyone to feel “accepted”? What lessons about acceptance and self-acceptance can one learn from The Addams Family?

Recorded October 13, 2021

This discussion was held virtually via Zoom.

GOD OF CARNAGE: “Parenting and Politics”

God of Carnage has been called “a comedy of manners--without the manners” due to the way that civil discourse between two sets of parents devolves into insults laden with racism, homophobia, sexism, and other -isms. How does one navigate (or avoid) complicated conversations at work, with family, at social events, school, and other public places? How do you talk with your children and spouse about complicated topics? How do you-or should you—resolve your children’s conflicts?

Recorded August 15, 2021

This discussion was held virtually via Zoom.